You may or may not be aware of television programmes like Trawlermen or Deadliest Catch. Times are often more than just physically and emotionally tough aboard these fishing vessels: ages may pass without catching anything substantial too. Now the EU is planning to offer the fishermen an alternative income stream; and in doing so, hopefully reduce pollution in the ocean.

Fishermen are going to be paid to catch plastic, rather than fish, under a trial project in the Mediterranean later this month.

The move comes as bold new plans from the EU’s commissioner for fisheries, Maria Damanaki, are unveiled. This plan in particular is aimed at providing fleets with an alternative source of income and reducing pressure on dwindling fish stocks.

The new plans are also intended to appease fishermen opposing the European Commission’s plans to ban the wasteful practice of discarding edible fish at sea. Approximately one million tonnes are thrown back into the North Sea each year.

Damanaki explained that the project will see fishermen equipped with nets to scoop up the plastic debris that is continuing to threaten marine life, and prepare it for recycling.

Ending this practice of throwing away edible fish is in the interest of fishermen, and consumers. It has to happen – we cannot have consumers afraid to eat fish because they hate this problem of discards.

People feel insecure, because this is a change. That is why they need incentives.

She has already been met with staunch opposition and fishermen said at a hearing in Brussels on Tuesday that the curbing of the wasteful practice is bound to result in smaller fleets. Others believe it’s just impossible to end discarding completely.

Initially the project will be funded by EU member states, but it certainly has the potential to become a privately run industry in its own capacity.

[Source: Guardian]